U.S. patent number 5,088,896 [Application Number 07/726,848] was granted by the patent office on 1992-02-18 for jet pump with rotatable venturi cartridge.
This patent grant is currently assigned to The Marley Company. Invention is credited to Dorothy D. McDaniel, Darryl M. Nielsen.
United States Patent |
5,088,896 |
Nielsen , et al. |
February 18, 1992 |
Jet pump with rotatable venturi cartridge
Abstract
A jet pump having a rotatable venturi cartridge to permit any of
several different sized venturi tubes to be aligned with a nozzle
in the pump casing. A knob is provided on the pump casing to permit
convenient rotation of the venturi cartridge. Printed indicia on
the knob align with an indicator arrow to visually indicate the
setting of the knob.
Inventors: |
Nielsen; Darryl M. (Lenexa,
KS), McDaniel; Dorothy D. (Leawood, KS) |
Assignee: |
The Marley Company (Mission
Woods, KS)
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Family
ID: |
24920261 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/726,848 |
Filed: |
July 8, 1991 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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535392 |
Jun 8, 1990 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
417/178; 417/77;
417/80; 417/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04F
5/48 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F04F
5/48 (20060101); F04F 5/00 (20060101); F04F
005/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;417/77,78,80,89,151,178,198,68,69 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bertsch; Richard A.
Assistant Examiner: Kocharov; Michael I.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kokjer, Kircher, Bowman &
Johnson
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/535,392, filed
06/08/90 now abandoned.
Claims
Having thus described the invention, I claim:
1. In a jet pump having a casing presenting a pump inlet and a pump
outlet and a driven impeller rotatable about a first axis for
effecting a pressure differential between the pump inlet and outlet
to pump liquid therebetween, the improvement comprising:
a converging nozzle disposed to pass liquid therethrough, said
nozzle tapering from an inlet thereof to a restricted outlet
thereof and having said outlet communicating with the pump inlet to
effect a pressure reduction on the outlet side of the nozzle upon
flow of liquid therethrough;
venturi means providing a flow path for liquid between the pump
inlet and pump outlet substantially perpendicular to the first
axis, said venturi means having a plurality of different venturi
tubes each having a converging inlet, a restricted throat and a
diverging outlet with the throats of the respective venturi tubes
having different diameters;
means for mounting said venturi means in the casing in a manner
permitting each venturi tube to be selectively aligned with said
outlet of the nozzle in an operative position wherein the aligned
tube provides said flow path; and
means accessible from the exterior of the pump for effecting
selective alignment of each venturi tube with said nozzle.
2. The improvement of claim 1, wherein:
said venturi means comprises a venturi cartridge carrying said
venturi tubes thereon; and
said mounting means comprises means for mounting said cartridge for
rotation in the casing along a rotary path carrying the venturi
tubes into successive alignment with said nozzle.
3. The improvement of claim 2, wherein said means accessible from
the exterior of the pump comprises a knob on the exterior of the
casing coupled with said cartridge in a manner to effect rotation
thereof when the knob is turned.
4. The improvement of claim 3, including means associated with said
knob for visually indicating which venturi tube is aligned with
said nozzle.
5. The improvement of claim 1, including means for visually
indicating which venturi tube is aligned with said nozzle.
6. A jet pump comprising:
a pump casing having a pump inlet for receiving incoming liquid and
a pump outlet for discharging liquid;
an impeller in the pump casing and rotatable about a first
axis;
drive means for driving said impeller about said axis to effect a
pressure differential between the pump inlet and outlet to effect
pumping of liquid therebetween along a main flow path;
a converging nozzle in the pump casing tapering from an inlet
thereof to a restricted outlet thereof, said inlet being disposed
to receive liquid at a relatively high pressure and said outlet
communicating with the pump inlet to effect a pressure reduction
when liquid passes through the nozzle;
a venturi cartridge having a plurality of venturi tubes each
extending substantially perpendicular to said axis and having a
converging inlet end, a restricted throat and a diverging outlet
end, each venturi tube having a throat diameter different from the
throat diameters of the other venturi tubes;
means for mounting said cartridge in the pump casing for movement
along a presaribed path carrying said venturi tubes into successive
alignment with the outlet of said nozzle with the aligned tube
forming part of the flow path; and
means on the exterior of the pump casing for effecting selective
movement of said cartridge along said prescribed path.
7. The jet pump of claim 6, wherein said mounting means comprises
means for mounting said cartridge for rotation along said
prescribed path about a rotational axis, each tube having a center
displaced from said rotational axis the same distance as the other
tubes.
8. The jet pump of claim 7, wherein said means on the exterior of
the pump casing comprises a knob coupled with said cartridge in a
manner to effect rotation thereof when the knob is turned.
9. The jet pump of claim 8, including means associated with said
knob for visually indicating which venturi tube is aligned with
said nozzle.
10. The jet pump of claim 6, including means for visually
indicating which veturi tube is aligned with said nozzle.
11. The jet pump of claim 6, including detent means for releasably
retaining said cartridge at a plurality of positions corresponding
to positions of alignment between the venturi tubes and nozzle.
12. In a jet pump of the type having a pump casing presenting a
pump inlet and a pump outlet and a driven impeller rotatable about
a first axis for effecting a pressure differential between the pump
inlet and pump outlet to pump liquid therebetween, the improvement
comprising:
a nozzle fixed in the pump casing and having an inlet disposed to
receive liquid at a relatively high pressure, said nozzle tapering
from said inlet thereof to an outlet thereof to effect a pressure
reduction at said outlet of the nozzle at a location communicating
with the pump inlet;
a venturi cartridge having a plurality of venturi tubes each
extending substantially perpendicular to the axis and having a
converging inlet end, a restricted throat and a diverging outlet
end, said throats having different diameters and said cartridge
being mounted in the pump casing for rotation along a path carrying
said venturi tubes successively into alignment with the outlet of
said nozzle to receive liquid for passage to the pump outlet;
and
a knob on the exterior of the pump casing coupled with said
cartridge in a manner to effect rotation of the cartridge when the
knob is turned.
13. The improvement of claim 12, including releasable detent means
for retaining said cartridge at positions wherein the venturi tubes
are aligned with said nozzle.
14. The improvement of claim 12, including means for visually
indicating which venturi tube is aligned with said nozzle.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of pumps and more
particularly to a jet pump having a nozzle-venturi tube combination
that can be quickly and easily changed to achieve different pumping
characteristics.
In the operation of jet pumps, part of the liquid is passed through
a nozzle in order to create a low pressure area on the downstream
side of the nozzle which assists in drawing liquid into the suction
side of the pump. By varying the nozzle-venturi combination,
different pumping characteristics can be provided. For example, the
flow rate can be increased with a resultant lower pressure, or the
pressure can be increased with a resulting lower volume rate of
flow.
In the past, pumps have been provided with a nozzle-venturi unit
which can be removed and replaced with different nozzle-venturi
units that have smaller or larger venturi tubes in order to achieve
different flow rates and pressures. An alternative arrangement has
permitted either the nozzle or venturi tube or both to be
separately removed and replaced. The problem with either type of
arrangement is that considerable inconvenience is encountered in
effecting the replacement of one component with another. First, the
component that is to be installed must be located and the old
component must be removed before the new one can be installed.
Aside from the problems of storing the loose components that are
not in use so that they are available when needed, this procedure
requires assembly and disassembly operations that involve
considerable time and difficulty, especially in situations where
changeover between different components takes place with some
frequency.
Accordingly, it is evident that there is a need for a jet pump in
which the nozzle-venturi tube combination can be quickly and easily
changed. It is the principal goal of the present invention to meet
that need.
In accordance with the invention, a rotatable venturi cartridge is
provided in the casing of a jet pump, and the cartridge includes
different venturi tubes which are arranged in a circular pattern
about the axis of rotation. The cartridge can be turned to align
the different venturi tubes with a nozzle mounted in the pump
casing. A knob which is mounted on the exterior of the pump at a
conveniently accessible location is coupled with the venturi
cartridge so that the knob can be turned to change the cartridge.
Indicator marks o the knob provide a clear visual indication of the
operating mode of the pump at each setting of the knob (i.e., a
low, medium or high flow rate or the horsepower rating at the
particular knob setting).
The overall result is that the pump characteristics can be changed
as desired simply by turning the adjustment knob, in contrast to
the considerable inconvenience that has been encountered in the
past in order to change the nozzle-venturi tube combination. The
advantages of the present invention are also achieved without
adding appreciably to the cost of the pump and without adding
significantly to the maintenance requirements.
Other and further objects of the invention, together with the
features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear in the course
of the following description.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification
and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like
reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various
views:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a jet pump which is equipped
with a rotatable venturi cartridge in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, with portions broken away for
purposes of illustration;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken
generally along line 2--2 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows,
with portions broken away for purposes of illustration;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view on an enlarged scale taken generally
along line 3--3 of FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrows, with a
portion of the knob broken away for purposes of illustration;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken
generally along line 4--4 of FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrows;
and
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken
generally along line 5--5 of FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrows,
with portions broken away for purposes of illustration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings in more detail and initially to FIG.
1 in particular, numeral 10 generally designates a jet pump
constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The jet pump 10 is driven by a conventional electrical
motor 12 mounted on a base 14 and having a control box which
contains electrical terminals, lead wires and other components (not
shown). The motor 12 drives an output shaft 18 which extends
through a bracket 20 and carries a pump impeller 22 which is
rotated by the shaft 18 when the motor 12 is energized.
The impeller 22 is enclosed in a pump casing 24 which is secured to
bracket 20 by a plurality of screws 26. A diffuser cover 28 is
located adjacent to the forward face of the impeller 22 and is
adhesively or otherwise secured to the pump casing 24. The pump
casing 24 has an internally threaded inlet 30 on its forward face
for receiving water or other liquid which is to be pumped. An
internally threaded outlet 32 is provided on top of the pump casing
for discharging the liquid that is pumped.
With additional reference to FIG. 2 in particular, internal ribs 34
and 36 in the pump casing 24 define a flow passage 38 which extends
from the pump inlet 30. A rotatable venturi cartridge which is
generally identified by numeral 40 accommodates flow from the
passage 38 to a chamber 42. The chamber 42 communicates with a
central opening 44 in the impeller 22 (see FIG. 1), and the liquid
that is drawn into the opening 44 is slung outwardly by the
impeller 22 and flows past the diffuser vanes in bracket 20 into a
chamber 46 which connects with the pump outlet 32.
Mounted in the pump casing 24 to the rib 34 is a converging nozzle
48 having an inlet or mouth 50 which opens into the chamber 46. The
nozzle 48 has a restricted outlet end 52 which communicates with
the passage 38 at a location adjacent to the inlet side of the
venturi cartridge 40. As best shown in FIG. 5, the mouth or inlet
50 of the nozzle is flared, and the nozzle has a passage 54 which
tapers from the flared mouth 50 to the restricted outlet 52. The
exterior surface of the nozzle 48 is threaded at 56 so that the
nozzle can be threaded into and out of a threaded opening in the
rib 34. An O-ring 58 provides a seal between the rib 34 and a
flange which is formed on the inlet end of the nozzle.
As best shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle 48 is located immediately
inside of a drain port 60 which is formed in the lower part of the
pump casing 24. A drain plug 62 is threaded into the drain port 60
in order to normally close it. The plug 62 can be threaded out of
the drain port, and access is then provided to the nozzle 48 to
permit it to be inspected or replaced with another nozzle having
the same or a different size and/or configuration.
The venturi cartridge 40 includes three different venturi tubes 64
(see FIG. 4 in particular) which differ in diameter but are of the
same general configuration. The venturi cartridge 40 is supported
for rotation about a rotational axis that is equidistant from the
longitudinal axes of the three venturi tubes 64. As best shown in
FIG. 5, each venturi tube 64 has a converging inlet end 66, a
restricted diameter throat 68 which extends the majority of the
length of the tube, and a diverging outlet 70 from which the liquid
flowing through the tube is discharged into chamber 42. The three
venturi tubes 64 extend parallel to one another on the cartridge 40
and are arranged in a circular pattern such that each tube 64 can
be selectively positioned in alignment with the nozzle 48 when the
tube is rotated into an operative position by rotating the
cartridge 40.
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 in particular, the base end of the
venturi cartridge 40 is provided with a boot 72 which is disposed
on the rib 36. The boot 72 has a projecting stub shaft 73 which is
received in a passage in the cartridge 40 and which is coaxial with
the rotational axis of the cartridge. The body of the cartridge 40
is provided with a circular flange 74 at location spaced from the
boot 72. A plurality of thin fingers 76 (FIG. 4) connect the flange
74 with the body of the venturi cartridge 40. The flange 74 rides
beneath the curved edge of a guide plate 78 which projects from the
diffuser cover 28 and also fits in a stepped curved edge of another
guide plate 80 which projects from the front wall of the pump
casing 24. By virtue of this arrangement, the cartridge 40 is
restricted to rotational movement about the cartridge rotational
axis which coincides with the axis of the stub shaft 73.
Rotation of the venturi cartridge 40 is effected by turning a
knurled knob 82 which is mounted on the exterior of the pump casing
24 at a readily accessible location. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and
5, the knob 82 is provided with a circular collar 84 which fits
closely in a complemental circular recess 86 formed in the wall of
the pump casing 24. The collar 84 compresses an O-ring 88 to
provide a seal between the knob mechanism and the pump casing. A
further seal is provided by another O-ring 90 which fits closely
around a shaft 92 which extends from the collar 84 into the pump
casing through an opening 94. As best shown in FIG. 4, the shaft 92
is provided with radially projecting ribs 95 which fit closely in a
socket 96 having a shape complemental to that of the ribs and
extending into the venturi cartridge 40. The close fit of the ribs
95 in the socket 96 effects a connection between the knob 82 and
the cartridge 40 such that turning of the knob results in
corresponding turning of the cartridge 40. It is noted that the
knob 82 is centered on the rotational axis of the cartridge. A
plurality of fingers 98 project from the shaft 92 and expand
beneath the interior pump casing wall in order to hold the knob 82
in place against the exterior surface of the pump casing.
Preferably, the knob 82 is located in a recess 100 (see FIG. 2)
formed in the pump casing.
The cartridge adjustment mechanism is provided with a detent
arrangement which releasably retains the cartridge 40 in three
different positions, with the respective venturi tubes 64 being
aligned with nozzle 48 in the three different positions. As best
shown in FIG. 3, the detent includes three buttons 102 which
project radially from the collar 84 and are spaced equidistantly at
120.degree. intervals. The buttons 102 fit in notches 104 which are
formed in the wall of the recess 86. The buttons 102 and notches
104 are located such that a detent position is established each
time one of the venturi tubes 64 is aligned with the nozzle 48.
The outlet end 52 of nozzle 48 is adjacent to and aligned with a
tapered opening 105 (FIG. 5) which extends through rib 34 and the
cartridge boot 72. The opening 105 aligns with the inlet 66 of the
venturi tube 64 that is in the operative position, and the taper of
opening 105 matches the taper of the inlet 66.
With continued reference to FIG. 3 in particular, means are
provided for visually indicating the setting of the knob 82 and
thus which of the venturi tubes 64 is in the operating position in
alignment with nozzle 48. The knob 82 has three lobes 106 which
correspond with the locations of the buttons 102. An indicating
arrow 108 is imprinted on the exterior of the pump casing at a
location to align with one of the lobes 106 at each detent position
of the knob. Each lobe 106 is provided with printing 110 which
differs from the printing applied to the other lobes. For example,
one of the lobes may be provided with the indication "LO" (low flow
rate), another lobe may be provided with the indication "HI" (high
flow rate) and the third lobe may be provided with the indication
"MED" (medium flow rate). Thus, when the lobe with the "LO"
indication is aligned with the indicator 108, a visual indication
is provided that the cartridge is in the low flow rate setting.
Alternatively, the lobes may be provided with other indications,
including the pump horsepower rating at the corresponding knob
setting.
In operation of the pump, the impeller 22 is rotated by the
electric motor 12 to cause water or other liquid to be drawn into
the inlet 30 and drawn through passage 38 and the venturi tube
which is in the operative position forming part of the liquid flow
path. The liquid is discharged from the venturi tube into chamber
42 and is pulled by the impeller into chamber 46 and then out
through the outlet 32. Some of the liquid in chamber 46 passes
through the nozzle 48, and the effect of the nozzle is to
accelerate the liquid passing through it to create a relatively low
pressure in passage 38 adjacent to the nozzle outlet 52. The low
pressure region results in the drawing of liquid into the inlet 30
and subsequent passage to the outlet 32.
The pumping characteristics of the pump 10 can be quickly and
easily varied simply by rotating the knob 82 to a different
position wherein a different one of the venturi tubes 64 is in the
operating position in alignment with the nozzle 48. Because each
venturi tube has a different size, the volume rate of flow that is
pumped and the pressure will vary when different tubes are in the
operating position. Accordingly, the user can select which pumping
characteristics are desired depending upon the application in which
the pump is to be used. The visual indication provided by the
indicator arrow 108 and the printed indicia 110 allows the user to
quickly note the setting of the knob 82.
The drain plug 62 can be removed both to drain the liquid from the
pump casing and also to provide access to the nozzle 48. The nozzle
can be unthreaded from the rib 34 and replaced with another nozzle
having a different size and/or configuration in order to provide
different pumping characteristics. Access is also provided for
cleaning of the nozzle when clogged.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well
adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth
together with other advantages which are obvious and which are
inherent to the structure.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are
of utility and may be employed without reference to other features
and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the
scope of the claims.
Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense.
* * * * *